1911 Suggestions?
- Thread starter Hays
- Start date
Arnistador
New member
Check out the Springfield Armory Loaded 1911. You should be able to pick one up for around $600.
It comes with some nice "extras" like FLGR, Novaks, front slide serrations, commander hammer, bevelled magwell, extended beavertail, extended safety, lowered and flared ejection port, undercut triggerguard, and nice trigger with about a 5lb break.
Tim
http://www.streetpro.com
Street Smart Professional Equipment
It comes with some nice "extras" like FLGR, Novaks, front slide serrations, commander hammer, bevelled magwell, extended beavertail, extended safety, lowered and flared ejection port, undercut triggerguard, and nice trigger with about a 5lb break.
Tim
http://www.streetpro.com
Street Smart Professional Equipment
Hays,
There are MANY TFL treads (use the "search" function at the top of this page) re this topic that you'll want to research.
In the $700 range, you can easily obtain a new, stainless, Kimber Custom/Classic, full-sized 1911A1. You'll find some TFL postings that complain re Kimber quality problems -- and EVERY other first-class manufacturer, as well -- but my .45 ACP has been excellent. It was extremely accurate right out of the box; I'll never (unfortunately) have the marksmanship ability to match the inherent accuracy of this Kimber. In addition, the reliability, quality, durability, fit, finish, and manufacturing precision are all excellent.
FYI, as with many 1911A1-type semiautomatics, I did experience a 1 to 2 percent failure-to-fire rate during the first 500 (or so) rounds; this disappeared after "break in".
On final point, many 1911A1 experts (I'm certainly not one) will suggest the use of after-market magazines, with Wilson and McCormick being frequently recommended.
[This message has been edited by RWK (edited July 14, 2000).]
There are MANY TFL treads (use the "search" function at the top of this page) re this topic that you'll want to research.
In the $700 range, you can easily obtain a new, stainless, Kimber Custom/Classic, full-sized 1911A1. You'll find some TFL postings that complain re Kimber quality problems -- and EVERY other first-class manufacturer, as well -- but my .45 ACP has been excellent. It was extremely accurate right out of the box; I'll never (unfortunately) have the marksmanship ability to match the inherent accuracy of this Kimber. In addition, the reliability, quality, durability, fit, finish, and manufacturing precision are all excellent.
FYI, as with many 1911A1-type semiautomatics, I did experience a 1 to 2 percent failure-to-fire rate during the first 500 (or so) rounds; this disappeared after "break in".
On final point, many 1911A1 experts (I'm certainly not one) will suggest the use of after-market magazines, with Wilson and McCormick being frequently recommended.
[This message has been edited by RWK (edited July 14, 2000).]
Hays, RWK sums it up pretty well. I'm one of those people who had a problem with my Kimber Custom Classic. (Broken Barrel Bushing), but I don't think the failure rate on a Kimber is any greater than that of any other 1911 type pistol. Kimber had a replacement bushing to me in very short order, good customer service. I'm quite happy with my pistol, and it can still outshoot me most any day.
Mark - FL
Mark - FL
I have heard many good things about the Kimber pistols. I havent shot or had any experiencewith them besides handling them. They feel very nice. I bet you can have one fore around $70, maybe less. Also I have heard great things about the "Loaded" Springfield 1911. I havent had experience with shooting this one either(damn, i have to get out there). I have seen them for around $650 at a gun store.
There is no truer shooting handgun in my collection than a Springfield Loaded 1911A1. Mine is the parkerized finish with beautiful cocobolo grips. Five shot groups of 2.5" shooting hand held at 10 yards were the norm from the first clip forward. My Beretta Cougar, Ruger P-Series, Colt, Walther PPk, and Astra were all outclassed by the Springfield--only the CZ75 9mm shot groups as tight.
I experienced three failure to feeds in my first 100 rounds and have not experienced another one in the next 400 rounds. The fit and finish are excellent and the gun remains tight after four months of shooting.
The balance is perfect for my uses and the few times I have carried in concealed, it has not been a burden (though it's not what I consider a routine carry gun--it's too big for that). It's functioned perfectly and is my favorite weapon although, like all 1911's, disassembly and re-assembly takes some effort initially.
I paid $585 for mine new in the box in southern Indiana and got coupons for all kinds of goodies that saved me another 50 bucks on a holster and a shooting bag.
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Take the long way home...
I experienced three failure to feeds in my first 100 rounds and have not experienced another one in the next 400 rounds. The fit and finish are excellent and the gun remains tight after four months of shooting.
The balance is perfect for my uses and the few times I have carried in concealed, it has not been a burden (though it's not what I consider a routine carry gun--it's too big for that). It's functioned perfectly and is my favorite weapon although, like all 1911's, disassembly and re-assembly takes some effort initially.
I paid $585 for mine new in the box in southern Indiana and got coupons for all kinds of goodies that saved me another 50 bucks on a holster and a shooting bag.
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Take the long way home...
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
Hays - oh boy... you asked for it! Your gunna get many conflicting opinions...
I suggest taking them all with some salt.
(but I favor Springfield guns myself
)
I suggest taking them all with some salt.
(but I favor Springfield guns myself
)sigarms229
New member
I've never fired a Kimber so I can't comment on them personally, but I picked up a Springfield Loaded yesterady for myself and I LOVE IT!. It is the 5" Govt in Blue, and it is as accurate as my Sig 220, maybe a hair better. From 10yds, my first mag full was all in the 10 (x) ring of a Economy B-27 target. I fired about 120 rds today, 50 Winchester FMJ and the remainder were 3 different types of Federal hollowpoints. I had two failures to feed on the last round out of my Shooting Star mags from one of my other 1911's. Both times it was with Federal Premium 230gr +P Hydrashoks. No other feeding problems whatsoever. The gun is a little heavy but it really soaks up the recoil when you fire. I can't wait to take it to the range again.
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John
"Never argue with an idiot, they pull you down to their level and beat you with experience"
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John
"Never argue with an idiot, they pull you down to their level and beat you with experience"
I dont think that you can go wrong with either a SA or a Kimber. I think that you will find that with the Kimber it has a little better fit and finish. Springfield has some sharp edges. I think that the SA has better sights though. When I was comparing the two models I opted for the Kimber. It is all a matter of preference. If you get a good one you should be happy with either. I also DO NOT LIKE SA's 2 piece guide rod.
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Talk about the greatest pistol ever made.
www.1911Forum.com
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Talk about the greatest pistol ever made.
www.1911Forum.com
I went with the Springfield, I just liked it better. 250 rounds, pmp, winchester white box, federal hydro-shoks, & cci blazers, so far no malfunctions.
It does have sharp edges, but I don't think that they are too bad as I have carried mine everyday for two weeks in one of Gunslinger's bellybands & haven't been bothered.
The two piece guide rod can unscrew under recoil, but a single drop of blue locktite holds it in there just fine.
My rear sight wasn't tightened enough at the factory and it came loose, locktited that screw in also.
Other additions have been a Pierce modular grip (thanks George), feels great. And I had IWI install tritium dots, I almost went with Ashley express sights but I figured that since I'm trying to get a job in LE, all of the depts I'm applying with issue guns with 3 dot sights, so I thought I would stick with those.
Accuracy has been excellent, much better than I am normally capable of.
I picked the SA over the Kimber because I have heard nothing but good about their customer service (lifetime warranty) vs. the Kimber, where I have heard some horror stories on this board about them.
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It does have sharp edges, but I don't think that they are too bad as I have carried mine everyday for two weeks in one of Gunslinger's bellybands & haven't been bothered.
The two piece guide rod can unscrew under recoil, but a single drop of blue locktite holds it in there just fine.
My rear sight wasn't tightened enough at the factory and it came loose, locktited that screw in also.
Other additions have been a Pierce modular grip (thanks George), feels great. And I had IWI install tritium dots, I almost went with Ashley express sights but I figured that since I'm trying to get a job in LE, all of the depts I'm applying with issue guns with 3 dot sights, so I thought I would stick with those.
Accuracy has been excellent, much better than I am normally capable of.
I picked the SA over the Kimber because I have heard nothing but good about their customer service (lifetime warranty) vs. the Kimber, where I have heard some horror stories on this board about them.
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Eric of IN
New member
Hays, I'll save you the trouble of looking through all the archives. It always boils down to Ford vs Chevy...oops I meant Springfield vs Kimber. Both have their strong points, both have their weak points.
Kimber has better fit and finish, but uses MIM parts which are not as durable as forged.
Springfield has better customer service if needed, but uses a two-piece barrel which may reduce accuracy.
You won't go wrong with either.
Eric
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Teach a kid to shoot.
It annoys the antis.
Kimber has better fit and finish, but uses MIM parts which are not as durable as forged.
Springfield has better customer service if needed, but uses a two-piece barrel which may reduce accuracy.
You won't go wrong with either.
Eric
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Teach a kid to shoot.
It annoys the antis.
Captain Bligh
New member
I chose the Kimber and have been extremely happy with my choice. I have a Kimber Compact stainless that has 600 rounds through it without a burp.
It is the most accurate handgun in my collection. If I became destitute and had to sell off all my earthly possessions to live, it would be the last gun I would ever part with.
All that being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with Springfield, although the fit and finish won't match the Kimber's. There are lots of Springfield owners out there as happy as I am. I don't think you can go wrong with either Springfield or Kimber. Look both over carefully and handle both and follow your own head. You'll be happy in the end.
RJ
It is the most accurate handgun in my collection. If I became destitute and had to sell off all my earthly possessions to live, it would be the last gun I would ever part with.
All that being said, I don't think there is anything wrong with Springfield, although the fit and finish won't match the Kimber's. There are lots of Springfield owners out there as happy as I am. I don't think you can go wrong with either Springfield or Kimber. Look both over carefully and handle both and follow your own head. You'll be happy in the end.
RJ
I have owned them both and this is just my experience, both were accurate and reliable, but the Kimber finish (Custom Walnut)started chipping off. I've never seen or heard of this happening with anybody elses, so I;m fairly certain it was isolated. Anyway, I traded it even up for a G36 and am very satisfied with the SA 1911 loaded and G36. Terry
Just breaking in my new Kimber Classic Custom Target (full-size 1911 .45 ACP). Adjustable rear sights, $640 at a recent gun show.
"Baby, I'm amazed."
Been shooting a SIG P226 9mm, which I love. Smooth and silky. The Kimber has a little more kick, but certainly not significant, and very controllable. And it's shooting tighter groups than the SIG. (Using cheap Remington UMC ammo in both.) Great gun.
"Baby, I'm amazed."
Been shooting a SIG P226 9mm, which I love. Smooth and silky. The Kimber has a little more kick, but certainly not significant, and very controllable. And it's shooting tighter groups than the SIG. (Using cheap Remington UMC ammo in both.) Great gun.
All of my Kimbers just went back into the safe. But then... The Les Baer TR Special just blew them all away. I'll keep the Kimber around till after IDPA Nationals just as a backup gun. Then it will go to Brian Bilby for one of his Kimber Tune up specials.
The Kimbers have been fine. But I have yet to shoot any one them that were 100% reliable. 98% yes.. but not 100% The Baer has been flawless for everyone I know that owns one. Yes. They are much more expensive. But I do NOT want a mechanical failure at Nationals.
To paraphrase Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch...."The best handgun for self defense? One that will go bang EVERYTIME you pull the trigger...."
Bubba
I'll keep the Kimber around till after IDPA Nationals just as a backup gun. Then it will go to Brian Bilby for one of his Kimber Tune up specials.The Kimbers have been fine. But I have yet to shoot any one them that were 100% reliable. 98% yes.. but not 100% The Baer has been flawless for everyone I know that owns one. Yes. They are much more expensive. But I do NOT want a mechanical failure at Nationals.
To paraphrase Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch...."The best handgun for self defense? One that will go bang EVERYTIME you pull the trigger...."
Bubba
I love my Stainless Steel Para-Ordnance P14-45. It has fed everything reliably so far EXCEPT semiwadcutters from the ten round mag, but no problems with my three 14 rounders. (The pistol came with a 14 rnd mag and a voucher to order 2 14 rnd mags from the factory at regular price). Some people don't like the slightly fatter grip, but it fits beautifully in my averaged sized hand. (I'm only 6' tall). No compliaints so far during my first 1000 rounds... I don't own any other 1911's so I can't comment good or bad about the others.
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The first step is registration, the second step is confiscation, the final step is subjugation.
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The first step is registration, the second step is confiscation, the final step is subjugation.
Might I suggest that you go to the local range and see if they have these guns to rent. This way you could heft them and shoot them and see what feels good to you. It will also give you a chance to get a general idea of fit and finish of the guns. Just a thought.
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***Torpedo***
Life is great if you can survive it!
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***Torpedo***
Life is great if you can survive it!
Hays, I debated long and hard about Kimber vs. Springfield. I wound up getting a Kimber, but would like a Springfield as well. I now have two Kimbers: a stainless Gold Match and a blued Pro Carry. Both feed factory ammo without a jam; my reloads are another matter.
There have been a lot of shooters I know who've had problems with Kimbers, but whether
the Springfields are any better or worse, I don't know.
Just my .02.
Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.
There have been a lot of shooters I know who've had problems with Kimbers, but whether
the Springfields are any better or worse, I don't know.
Just my .02.
Dick
Want to send a message to Bush? Sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/monk/petition.html and forward the link to every gun owner you know.